The Serie A side shelled out a reported $A38.6 million to sign the Brazil international in August 2016, but he made just 10 appearances in all competitions – his only start coming in the Coppa Italia – and scored one goal in his debut season.

A loan to Benfica was not successful in securing greater playing time, with Gabriel getting just four outings for the Portuguese giant and he has gone full circle with a return to Brazil.

"It happened very quickly. It was a time for me to learn. I am very happy to come back and wear this shirt," he said in a statement issued by Santos.

"They knew how much I wanted to come back here. Everything is in place for it to go right. I return very different; more mature and with more experience."

During his first spell at Santos, Gabriel scored 57 goals in 157 appearances and won the Campeonato Paulista on two occasions.